Having a hard time deciding between USAFA, USMA, and USNA

DomerDad said:
My DD told me, for the first time, that she could not see herself serving on a ship. I was very surprised but also very impressed that she was considering her next 24 years instead of just her next 4 years. She loved Annapolis. She loved the Yard. She loved the idea of going to school at USNA. She loved the idea of being a recruited varsity athlete. She didn't love the idea of serving on a ship or being out to sea for long stretches.

I suspect she may have enjoyed being a student at USNA more than at USAFA, but she will be a much happier officer in the Air Force than in the Navy given her personal preferences.
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This. I've visited Annapolis twice and it really is beautiful there. I have lived in Colorado Springs for many years and it is also beautiful there (even winter...a big snow will melt within a day or two...its not like Buffalo NY). West Point is also beautiful. I am talking campus and immediate area in all cases. Assume you are going to an SA because you really intend to spend 15-30 years in the military. Now pick.
 
GoodRun said:
Assume you are going to an SA because you really intend to spend 15-30 years in the military. Now pick.
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Not necessarily. SAs require five years minimum. The military has no issue with anyone doing the five-and-dive. In fact, the military expects and actively manages it so that there's attrition, because there's simply not enough room up the pyramid. And it doesn't matter how you got your commission -- SA, ROTC, OCS.

As has been said by many SA grads and AD veterans here: Many of those who plan five-and-dive end up making a career out of it. And many who say they're in for a career end up bailing after five.
 
I think many keep an open mind. My son sees a rainbow no matter which way he/navy decides.
 
MidCakePa said:
Not necessarily. SAs require five years minimum. The military has no issue with anyone doing the five-and-dive. In fact, the military expects and actively manages it so that there's attrition, because there's simply not enough room up the pyramid. And it doesn't matter how you got your commission -- SA, ROTC, OCS.

As has been said by many SA grads and AD veterans here: Many of those who plan five-and-dive end up making a career out of it. And many who say they're in for a career end up bailing after five.
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I'm aware of the minimum commitment. One difference between and SAs and ROTC is the SA was intended to produce career officers (even if it sometimes doesn't) so they spend a lot of resources on each cadet and give you a STEM core that fits the AF's needs. In contrast, ROTC gets a scholarship and the AF only cares that your undergrad degree is accredited. Why? ROTC was intended more as a reserve pool of officers. Educated, trained, and with a few years of experience before they get out and await the call.

To each his own, but I wouldn't put up with four years of intense SA stress just to serve five years in the AF. I would go ROTC and get a very focused degree (as opposed to USAFA's vast core which greatly impinges on the number of majors courses you can take) so I am better prepared for jobs out side the AF.

My advice is to make your decision with the INTENTION of making it a career. And don't say you plan to five and dive on your application essay or ALO interview.
 
Ehhhh ok, so I'm a career person. Always have been always will be until something really ****ty happens (we've already been asked to question this in many classes to get us ready) almost everyone I know is a five and dive. "I wouldn't put up with..." its free college that's enough for people. A nearly half a million dollar education that you don't have to pay for with and engineering degree that you can take and go make a **** load of money else where? Yea that's worth it to most people to deal with the military for 5 years. Thats how people are thinking. College debt you would have till your 60's now even with high paying jobs. Many people see the military as a means to an end and well that's ok. I do agree it's a bad idea to say it out loud though. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth but I get it.
GoodRun said:
To each his own, but I wouldn't put up with four years of intense SA stress just to serve five years in the AF. I would go ROTC and get a very focused degree (as opposed to USAFA's vast core which greatly impinges on the number of majors courses you can take) so I am better prepared for jobs out side the AF.
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GoodRun said:
To each his own, but I wouldn't put up with four years of intense SA stress just to serve five years in the AF. I would go ROTC and get a very focused degree (as opposed to USAFA's vast core which greatly impinges on the number of majors courses you can take) so I am better prepared for jobs out side the AF.
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I think my son will be career, if they will have him.

That being said - I think his USNA aero engineer degree plus five years as a military officer - makes him competitive with ROTC officers outside of the military.
 
FlyFalcon said:
Ehhhh ok, so I'm a career person. Always have been always will be until something really ****ty happens (we've already been asked to question this in many classes to get us ready) almost everyone I know is a five and dive. "I wouldn't put up with..." its free college that's enough for people. A nearly half a million dollar education that you don't have to pay for with and engineering degree that you can take and go make a **** load of money else where? Yea that's worth it to most people to deal with the military for 5 years. Thats how people are thinking. College debt you would have till your 60's now even with high paying jobs. Many people see the military as a means to an end and well that's ok. I do agree it's a bad idea to say it out loud though. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth but I get it.
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Its sad to read this. I don't think we have the military now that we did when I joined.
 
I would absolutely visit the Air Force Academy in person before you decide. You might want to visit the Air Force Academy in March so you have time to reflect before making your decision. Seems like your instincts are leaning more toward Navy or Air Force. At the end of the day, I would go with your gut on what feels the most right and then don't look back. All three options are fantastic!

www.academyadmissions.com

Explore Careers | U.S. Air Force Academy

Discover career options at the forefront of space, science, and techology—from flying operations to communications, and engineering to logistics.
www.academyadmissions.com www.academyadmissions.com
 
2003 said:
Have friends at Army and Navy - they hate their lives. Here at USAFA we also hate our lives, but a little less. PM me if you have any specific questions about being a cadet.
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First and foremost, congratulations on your accomplishment. This brings to mind a significant decision my son made four years ago. Faced with three appointments, multiple options, he ultimately elected to attend the Air Force Academy. Over the ensuing four years, he navigated challenges common to all three institutions with resilience and determination.

As he approaches graduation, he reflects gratefully on the training and education he received at the Air Force Academy. For individuals passionate about aviation, the Air Force Academy undoubtedly stands as the premier choice. Similarly, those drawn to the sea and capable of enduring extended periods at sea may find the Naval Academy to be an excellent fit, offering opportunities not only in technology but also in aviation. For those with aspirations in politics, West Point emerges as the unequivocal frontrunner.
 
ThomasJ said:
Jimmy Carter?!?!
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The one thing you will realize about President Carter is he may have not been the most beloved President, but probably wins the award for the best human who was President. I think it’s why he struggled as President. If you attend USNA you you learn to embrace all its grads. He earned his place as an OG and we all embrace him as a grad and officer.
 
Do you have grads from the three military SA’s who know you and your proclivities that could help you decide? What’s the best fit for YOU in terms of SA and post SA? My DS was fortunate to have my cousin’s husband as a sounding board when beginning the application process (I have no military experience). He is a WP grad, as was his father, uncle, and grandfather. His father was also Supe at USAFA. Knowing my DS, he didn’t hesitate: “Go Canoe U.” His reasoning was that my DS wasn’t sure if he wanted to fly, ruck, or sail above or below the waves. USNA was the path for all three. In no way did he discourage my DS from USMA or USAFA but he’d been there, done that and knew my DS well enough to make a recommendation - keep your options open as long as you can so you can make an informed decision (to the extent you can). YMMV.
 
smokey% said:
Honestly I think the Air Force would be the better fit for me. I just don’t think ship life is for me, but I have massive respect for our brave sailors and submariners that are out there in the fleet protecting us and the seas.
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You've changed your profile picture to an anchor. Does that mean you've made a decision?
 
AFrpaso said:
You've changed your profile picture to an anchor. Does that mean you've made a decision?
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ders_dad said:
Do you have grads from the three military SA’s who know you and your proclivities that could help you decide? What’s the best fit for YOU in terms of SA and post SA? My DS was fortunate to have my cousin’s husband as a sounding board when beginning the application process (I have no military experience). He is a WP grad, as was his father, uncle, and grandfather. His father was also Supe at USAFA. Knowing my DS, he didn’t hesitate: “Go Canoe U.” His reasoning was that my DS wasn’t sure if he wanted to fly, ruck, or sail above or below the waves. USNA was the path for all three. In no way did he discourage my DS from USMA or USAFA but he’d been there, done that and knew my DS well enough to make a recommendation - keep your options open as long as you can so you can make an informed decision (to the extent you can). YMMV.
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I actually spoke with a WP grad and a current WP Firstie, as well as a USNA grad and it was super insightful. I’ve made myself a pros and cons sheet for each academy.
 
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